Trenton Postmaster Absconds With the Loot!

The South-Western (Shreveport, LA) Wednesday, October 22, 1856, Page 2, Column 3 LOOK OUT FOR HIM! - A letter to the Claiborne Advocate, dated Trenton, La., Oct. 8th, says: "Our town has been thrown into quite an excitement on account of the disappearance of our deputy postmaster, who left Trenton on Sunday morning - and … Continue reading Trenton Postmaster Absconds With the Loot! →

Flooding in West Monroe

I have no clue where in West Monroe this was taken. I don't even know when. I don't see any levees, so this would be before 1935. I saw this postcard for sale on eBay in December and had to have it.

Meet The Hasleys

These two photos were found in Dr. E. Russ Williams' collection. They are Phinetta Wooten Newman Hasley and her second husband, David Hasley. You are probably familiar with Hasley Cemetery, which was named for them. It is where both of them are buried. Some of you may not know that Phinetta was a philanthropist on … Continue reading Meet The Hasleys →

West Monroe Celebrates It’s 140th Birthday!

Today marks the 140th anniversary of the founding of West Monroe. The story goes that the railroad men, when they crossed the river would say they were "...west of Monroe." The name stuck, and now encompasses the former towns of Trenton and Cottonport. It is no secret to area residents that there is a minor … Continue reading West Monroe Celebrates It’s 140th Birthday! →

The Barbarossa Baseball Team – 1914

Did you know West Monroe had a baseball team? In 1933, the above photo was published in the Ouachita Citizen. It was asked if anyone recognized the players. All they knew was that it was a baseball team called Barbarossa, and they played in West Monroe. Within a week, the public had given the answers. … Continue reading The Barbarossa Baseball Team – 1914 →

Doc’s Saloon Bar is Carried Away

This clipping makes my jaw drop. It is a photo from the Citizen in 1972, just a few days before I would be born just right across the river! It shows men carrying out the bar from the old Doc's Saloon on Commerce Street in West Monroe. I wish Ron Downing was still alive so … Continue reading Doc’s Saloon Bar is Carried Away →

Ouachita Valley Fairgrounds Exhibit Hall

This big building stood till the 1970's at the site of the old Ouachita Valley Fairgrounds. It hosted Fair exhibits, music performances (the Twin City Jamboree) and revival meetings. These are the only photos I have seen of it. The site of the old fairgrounds is now the West Monroe City Hall and Police department.

Natchitoches Street West Monroe Almost Had a New Name

Back in 1953 a movement began in West Monroe to change the name of Natchitoches Street to Main Street. The DAR vehemently opposed the suggestion. You see, Natchitoches Street was part of the original trail/road between Fort Miro and Natchitoches during Filhiol's residency. Those who wanted the name changed argued that Natchitoches was too hard … Continue reading Natchitoches Street West Monroe Almost Had a New Name →

Norris Syrup Company Ad – 1931

I found two old phone books from Monroe for sale on Ebay and bought both for the library. This ad from the 1931 phonebook caught my eye. Keep in mind, America was still under prohibition. To name your syrup, "Moon Shine" had to have been a swipe at the law! I love it! Looking around … Continue reading Norris Syrup Company Ad – 1931 →

1927 Flood in South Riverfront Street, West Monroe, LA

https://www.louisianadigitallibrary.org/islandora/object/oplib-pho%3A745 This one is labeled South Riverfront Street, West Monroe. After you cross Endom Bridge, turn left and you are on South Riverfront. I really don't know exactly where this was taken but it is just horrifying to look at!